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Amongst the many delights to experience when visiting Provence are the markets. Any day of the week you will be able to find a market in a nearby town. These markets usually take place between 8am and 1pm and tend to be open air. When browsing the stalls you will come across fresh local produce, some of which will be specific to that region of France. Peruse the selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables that are on offer, along with cured meats, fish, cheeses, herbs and spices. Some markets have stalls that also sell goods such as table linen, clothes, shoes, flowers, books and some even trade in antiques and artwork.

Markets in Provence are not just about picking up your weekly shop; they are much more than that. These markets are an integral part of the daily life in Provence. People do not rush around manically like we are used to in UK supermarkets. The community is brought together and wander around at a leisurely pace.

Vendors are generally very friendly and helpful. Many travel between markets so it is not unlikely that you will see the same faces if visiting a different market on another day. Provence is known for having some of the best markets in France. It is enjoyable to simply sit in a nearby cafe and watch the people going about their weekly shop and chat to each other. Visiting a Provence market is a must when on holiday as you need to experience it firsthand.

One of the major attractions to tourists of visiting France is the broad range of foods that are available there. France is renowned for producing delicious wines and cheeses and local produce is very influential on the    cuisine of each different region. Provence food is generally very healthy with plenty of fish, vegetables, fruit and olive oil. When visiting Provence, the markets in Lorgues, on Tuesdays and in Le Muy on Thursdays and Sundays, are a fantastic way to sample fresh foods that you can cook yourself.

Areas of France which border on to other countries such as Germany and Italy tend to eat food that is influenced by their neighbours. The same goes for regions which have a high population of North African immigrants.

When eating out, the best approach to choosing restaurants is to take note of where the locals eat. You will then be more or less guaranteed to have an authentic and enjoyable meal. Because there is such a vast array of food to choose from there is something for everyone.